| Gift giving can be tough. Gift giving when you have | | | | previous plans. If youre doing something where you |
| only been dating a few month can be even tougher. | | | | can bring a date, mention it lightly,but dont be |
| The gift should be appropriate for the amount of | | | | offended if they already have other plans. |
| time you have been dating. Give a woman diamond | | | | If the two of you have been dating for more than a |
| earrings for their birthday when you have only been | | | | month, feel it out discreetly and make sure you have |
| dating a month may scare her off. Giving someone | | | | backup plans so you dont sit home alone sulking. |
| just a card for Valentines Day when you have been | | | | Three to Six Months |
| dating for two years, you are sure to be in trouble. | | | | Its a date. Plan something fun and expect to bring in |
| Its Just Lunch recommends the following gifts for | | | | the New Year with a midnight kiss from your dream |
| any special occasion and any stage of a relationship. | | | | date. |
| Thanksgiving/Christmas/Chanukah | | | | Six Months Plus |
| Less Than Three Months | | | | This is your first New Year together and youre in the |
| Spend it with your family and call him or her from | | | | sweetest part of the Honeymoon period, so make it |
| home. Its too early to expect that you will spend | | | | special and celebrate your coupledom. |
| these family-oriented holidays together. If youre in | | | | Valentines Day |
| the same town, you can always invite your date | | | | Less than three months |
| over for dessert later. | | | | Dont even bring it up if youve been dating for a |
| Three to Six Months | | | | month or less. If youve been dating for more than a |
| If youve been dating for more than three months, | | | | month, bring it up casually, but dont expect anything. |
| bringing your partner to a friends house for dinner is | | | | Three to Six Months |
| appropriate, but its still a little early to bring them | | | | If youve been together this long, its reasonable to |
| home to the folks ifyour parents live out of state. | | | | expect to exchange gifts and to enjoy a good dinner |
| However, if you all live in the same city or reasonably | | | | together. If one of you isnt up for that, its likely |
| close, it is probably okay. Feel it out. | | | | youre in different places in your relationship. |
| Six Months Plus | | | | Six Months Plus |
| If your new honey hasnt already met your family, | | | | This is a time for somewhat bigger romantic gestures |
| now is the time. It can be a little nerve wracking and | | | | a special dinner together at a fancier restaurant than |
| you might not have much of an appetite for your | | | | you usually go to and an exchange of gifts that are |
| moms turkey dinner, so be prepared. If you get | | | | nicer. |
| invited to a family event, be on your best behavior | | | | Birthdays |
| and dress on the conservative side. Come bearing | | | | Less Than Three Months |
| gifts and offer to do the dishes. Also, pay attention | | | | Under a month, just wish them a happy birthday and |
| to how your significant other is around his or her | | | | buy them a drink the next time you go out. If youve |
| family youll get a sneak peak of the real person | | | | been dating more than a month, bring them a |
| coming out, so take notes! | | | | thoughtful (though not necessarily expensive) gift. |
| New Years Eve | | | | Three to Six Months |
| Less than three months | | | | A nicer gift and/or flowers is reasonable, along with a |
| New Years Eve has taken over from Valentines Day | | | | nice dinner alone or with friends. |
| as the worlds most high-pressured and overpriced | | | | Six months plus |
| date night. If youve been together less than a | | | | Invite a few of your honeys favorite friends and |
| month, dont expect anything continue with your | | | | throw a surprise dinner party. |